SERP operation leads to 60+ driver engagements

A recent traffic operation used a combination of engagement and enforcement in a bid to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on roads across Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock.

SERP partners held the operation in Southend-on-Sea on 2 November, during which they spoke to more than 60 drivers on a number of road safety related matters.

34 people were apprehended for failing to wear a seatbelt, while seven drivers were found to be using a mobile phone while driving – for which they each received six penalty points and a fine.

A further seven drivers were stopped for irregularities relating to their vehicle’s number plate, while five drivers had their vehicles seized for driving without valid insurance. Three drivers were found to be driving without a valid driving licence, and one driver did not have a valid MOT.

A 32-year-old man from Basildon was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs, and a 52-year-old man from Rochford was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Matt Hine, from Essex Police’s Casualty Reduction Section, said: “We carry out regular operations like this across the county with our partners to detect drivers using the roads illegally and to deal with them by way of enforcement and education.

“We all have the same goal to ensure the safety of everyone using our roads in Essex.”